According to the American Cancer Society global cancer statistics report (2002), cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. In select countries, such as Guatemala, cervical cancer ranks even higher as the number one cancer among women with a reported rate of less than 10% of women receiving regular screening (Ministry of Public Health and Social Aid of Guatemala, 2003). There are approximately 500,00 new cases of cervical cancer that occur every year. Of cervical cancer cases diagnosed annually, a disproportionate 83% of cases diagnosed and 85% of cervical cancer related deaths occur in developing countries. Cervical cancer is one of the most understood human cancers and therefore one of the most treatable (Tsu & Pollack, 2005).
Along with an increased burden of cervical cancer and cancer-related deaths, a high infant and maternal mortality rate also plague Guatemala. According to UNICEF (2007) Guatemala has a maternal mortality rate of 130 per 100,000 childbearing women and infant mortality rate of 29 per 1,000 newborns. These numbers are grave compared to the United States rate of maternal mortality 12 per 100,000 childbearing women and infant mortality of 6.9 per 1,000 newborns (Center for Disease Control, 2000).
Pioneered by Danielle Dittrich, RN with the help of Vanderbilt University, Senator Bill Frist and Hope through Healing Hands, the Primeros Pasos Clinic will begin the fight against cervical cancer, maternal and infant mortality in Guatemala. In September, Primeros Pasos will open a women’s health clinic focusing on cervical cancer screening and treatment along with prenatal care and training of local midwives.
For questions about the Women’s Health clinic and the cervical cancer screening or prenatal program please contact: daniellle.dittrich@gmail.com
